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Residential Computer Network (ResNet)

ResNet

What is ResNet?

The Residential Networking (ResNet) Program is the utility that provides a high-speed data connection to the campus network and the Internet for every student living in University-owned housing. The locations include all of the residence halls (Anacapa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Nicolas, San Miguel, San Rafael, Manzanita), and the apartments (El Dorado, Westgate, San Joaquin Villages, Santa Ynez, Sierra Madre Villages, West Campus, Storke Apartments, and San Clemente Villages.)

The ResNet program has three Service Centers to serve you. If you are experiencing computer problems, please bring your computer by one of our three Service Centers (if you have a desktop, you only need to bring the tower itself no monitor, mouse, or keyboard). For more information on how to contact ResNet, please see "How do I get help?" below.

What does ResNet cost?

The ResNet services and connections are included in your housing fee for all students living in UCSB housing and apartments.

What do I get from ResNet?

ResNet provides each student with wired and wireless network access to campus computer resources and the Internet. Students using wired access must provide their own computer, network card (also called an Ethernet card or NIC), and Ethernet cable (also called a network cable or CAT5 cable). Students using wireless access must provide their own wireless network card updated with the latest manufacturer drivers.

How do I get help?

ResNet operates three Service Centers that are open daily to help students having problems connecting to the Internet. Service Centers are located on the ground floor of San Nicolas Hall, the De Anza Resource Center, Room 2006 (Manzanita Village), and the lobby floor of Santa Catalina (Espacio 11), in the breezeway between the North and South Towers.

If you experience connection problems that you are not able to repair on your own, please bring your computer (if you have a desktop, please just bring the tower, no monitor, keyboard, or mouse) to one of our Service Centers for diagnosis and repair. Service Centers are open daily.

Virus Infections and Terminated Connections

Each student at UCSB is responsible for the administration and maintenance of their own computer. UCSB has a very aggressive policy when it comes to student computers that succumb to infection or are compromised due to user negligence. When a student computer becomes infected, compromised, or exhibits malicious or suspicious behavior, it is UCSB's policy to immediately shut off that computer's network connection. Because of this, it is in every student's best interest to practice safe and smart computer maintenance techniques. There is nothing more frustrating than needing your Internet connection to help study for finals, only to discover that you've been shut off!

There are several simple and quick steps you can take to help ensure that your computer is fully patched, protected, and up-to-date. Most students use one of the Microsoft Windows operating systems. Unfortunately, Windows is most vulnerable to security compromises and virus infections.

How Do I Protect Myself?

The first and most critical step is to enable Windows Update on your PC. You should allow Windows to automatically check for, download, and install any available updates on your computer. It is a simple, one-time process, but it is definitely the most important.

ResNet highly recommends every user to install and maintain an AntiVirus client as an added element of protection. Many brand-new computers come with a trial or "free" version of AV software; don't be fooled! Most of these programs are time-limited trials, or you have to pay extra for AV updates. ResNet recommends that users uninstall such trial versions and install the full version of the AntiVirus program they trust. Once installed, every AntiVirus program needs to be configured to check the vendor's site for updated "virus definitions". Often times, these definition updates can come out as often as once per day. It is critical that you verify that your AV program is configured to get updates at least once per day to minimize the risk of virus infection.

PLEASE NOTE: ResNet traditionally provided an AntiVirus client to residents free of charge. Due to issues related with the management and support of the software, ResNet has chosen to discontinue this practice. We feel our users will be better served and protected by providing their own trusted antivirus solution.

E-mail: Many new e-mail viruses try clever social engineering attempts to get you to open up infected files. The messages are often disguised as having come from someone you know (your parents, siblings, boyfriend or girlfriend), and can actually seem quite convincing. However, unless you have confirmed that this person sent you a file that you've requested, you should *never* open an e-mail attachment. If you use Microsoft Office products (like Outlook, or Word) to send/receive e-mail, be sure to keep any MS Office products fully up-to-date at all times (office.microsoft.com).

For any questions or problems regarding your e-mail account, please visit their website. ResNet cannot assist with e-mail questions or problems and is not affiliated with Umail.

MP3, movie, and software sharing may be the rage, and all of your friends may be doing it, but did you know that it is also an extremely likely method of picking up infected files that compromise your entire computer? Aside from the legal, moral, and ethical problems (not to mention that you will lose your ResNet connection for a minimum of 30 days the first time you are caught in a copyright violation), viruses, Trojan horses, and infected files run rampant through most peer-to-peer networks. DC++, KaZaA, Gnutella, Limewire, eDonkey, Morpheus, Bearshare, Audiogalaxy, Aimster, Grokster, Blubster, and Kontiki are just some of the dozens of p2p programs that are out there.

Financial Aid

What About Wireless?

ResNet has a wireless network available for use in all residence halls and apartments. We have installed wireless access points throughout every Residence Hall and apartment complex. Any 802.11a/b/g-compatible wireless network card will work on this network.

The secure, worldwide roaming access service eduroam was developed for the international research and education community. It provides wireless coverage through the campus including UCSB Residence Halls and Dining Commons. UCSB residents can login in using their UCSB provided UCSB NetID and password. Use the UC Identity Manager to activate your new account or reset your password.

For devices such as a game console, echo, wireless speaker, smartTV, or other device not having access to a browser, ResNet provides the UCSB Wireless Web which requires you to register each of these types of device so that they can gain network access. For more information on how to register your wireless or wired devices please visit https://info.resnet.ucsb.edu.

Why Can't I Use My Own SMTP Server?

What Kind of Computer Should I Buy?

This is the most frequently asked question - as well as the most difficult to answer. The rapidly changing computer industry changes what a 'good' computer is every day. Most computers on the market today will be adequate for use at UCSB. The real trick is to purchase one that will fill the needs of a student for all four years of college. Our advice is to purchase as much computer as you can within your budget.

When purchasing a new computer, pay attention to the warranty. If you purchase a computer from a 'computer show' at the local fair grounds, you will most likely be supporting the computer yourself. Many computer vendors today will include competitive hardware replacement warranties and even on-site repairs in some cases. We recommend purchasing these types of warranties if you are not comfortable repairing and upgrading your own computer.

Every computer sold today is "network ready," so unless you have an older computer, you probably do not need to purchase a third-party Ethernet and wireless card. Be sure to check with your computer vendor that an Ethernet and wireless card is already installed on your system. If your computer has an OS that has had support discontinued by Microsoft, ResNet may not be able to resolve the incompatibility (Windows 95/98/ME/NT). It is every student's responsibility to provide their own System or OS CDs.

The UCSB Bookstore sells a variety of network ready computers, which are ready to connect to ResNet. They have both Macintosh and Windows computers at competitive prices.

Supported Platforms

ResNet provides support for computers and devices running Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, Apple iOS and Android. ResNet will additionally provide "best-effort" support for devices running Linux and manufacturer specific operating systems although no assistance can be guaranteed. Generally most any device which adheres to 802.11 wireless standards and/or Ethernet will be able to successfully connect to the network. Some devices designed for home use will fail to work as intended on ResNet due to a variety of technical and security limitations inherent to the devices themselves. ResNet's ability to support such devices (Wireless Printers, Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV among others) is limited and their use is therefore not recommended.

MP3s/Movies

Students involved in a DMCA violation (the DMCA pertains to ANY copyrighted material, from music and movies to software and books) will immediately suffer a 30-day disconnection from ResNet. It is VERY important that you do not possess any copyrighted material on your computer or the means to distribute it. Ignorance of the violation will not repeal the 30 day disconnection (more information at the ResNet fair). See our DMCA Policy Page for more information.

How do I get a UCSB Email Account?

ResNet is not responsible in any way for e-mail accounts or addresses. Contact Instructional Computing (IC) on campus (Phelps Hall) at www.umail.ucsb.edu or call 893-5542. IC provides e-mail addresses for all graduate and undergraduate students free of charge.

How do I get more information about ResNet?

ResNet operates three Service Centers that are open daily to help students having problems connecting to the Internet. Service Centers are located on the ground floor of San Nicolas Hall, the De Anza Resource Center, Room 2006 (Manzanita Village), and the lobby floor of Santa Catalina (Espacio 11), in the breezeway between the North and South Towers.

ResNet Guidelines

Businesses
It is against California State law for a student to run a business from a campus residence hall room. A student caught running a business on ResNet will face disciplinary action. This policy includes Internet Services (Web page or other) with paid advertisements.

Copyright
It is against federal law to make copyrighted material available on a server without the written consent of the owner. Students caught illegally distributing copyrighted material will face disciplinary action. This includes digital copies of books, music, software, pictures or any other copyrighted material. You do not have to be charging for access or making money to be breaking the law.